Can you use Quotes or Idioms in your IELTS Essay?

This is perhaps the most frequently discussed question by IELTS aspirants. They always inquire whether idioms can help them improve their band scores or whether quotes should be included in the IELTS Writing exam.

Well, the answer to this question is an absolute no. Idioms like ‘to feel under the weather’ are informal, so they are not appropriate for Academic or General training essays in IELTS Writing task 2. Idioms, on the other hand, are just one kind of idiomatic vocabulary. There are some formal idioms too for the IELTS writing, such as “to have a whale of a time,” which means to have an exceptionally fun and exciting experience. For a high IELTS score, this form of idiomatic language is appropriate.

The examiner is going to award you a score on the basis of your level of English language proficiency, not on quotes you recall from anyone else. So instead, take the quote’s premise and put it into your own words.

Are using proverbs allowed in an IELTS essay?

The majority of proverbs are unsuitable for essay writing, especially academic essays. For example, you want to use the proverb’ beauty is in the eye of the beholder.’ While the context might seem appropriate to you, it would be better to write ‘everyone has their own idea of what is beauty.’ If you are going to write it in your own words, the examiner will give you better scores because he will be able to evaluate your English language skills in a better manner

Using Idioms in Writing task 1 (Academic)

IELTS Academic Writing task 1 requires you to write a report. Since this task requires you to write a report, you should never use idioms or quotes to describe any given details.

Using Idioms in Writing task 1 (General Training)

IELTS Academic Writing task 1 requires you to write a letter, which can be either formal, semi-formal, or informal. While idioms are acceptable in informal letters, you should avoid using them as much as possible. If you write about something in your own language, the examiner might be able to appreciate it better.

Using Idioms in Writing task 2 (Academic and General Training)

Task 2 of the IELTS General Training and Academic Writing tests you on your ability to compose essays. Just as in report writing and formal letter writing, it is not appropriate to use informal language in Writing task 2. Prefer to use your own language to convey your thoughts and ideas, or even if you want to use some quotes, it is better to paraphrase it.

Why are Idioms, proverbs, and quotes better suggested to be used in the IELTS Speaking section?

Since proverbs and some idioms are not formal, they are best suited to the Speaking section. However, don’t put extra effort trying to recall an idiom. It will negatively affect your fluency score. Idioms and proverbs can help you improve your IELTS speaking score if you use acceptable, natural language in the right way, but they can also bring down your score if you don’t use them correctly. As a result, avoid using idioms or proverbs in your responses. Also, since quotations are not your own words, they are not appropriate for IELTS.

One of the blunders aspirants often make is that they learn a list of idioms but don’t understand or learn the appropriate way of using them. Hence, before trying to include them in the exam, you must first learn their meaning and how and where to use them.